Cucumber Sandwich

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Learn how to make the best cucumber sandwiches with a creamy, flavorful spread. Perfect for tea parties, brunch, or a light snack! Easy & delicious recipe.

Stack of cucumber tea sandwiches on a white serving platter, showing layers of bread, cream cheese, and cucumber.
Table of Contents
  1. Elegant, Simple, and Delicious
  2. Ingredients to Make the Best Cucumber Sandwiches
  3. How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches
  4. Variations for the Best Cream Cheese Spread
  5. How to Keep Your Cucumber Sandwiches From Getting Soggy
  6. Low Carb Cucumber Sandwich or Snack Idea
  7. How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches
  8. Cucumber Sandwich Recipe
  9. Questions about Cucumber Sandwiches
  10. More Easy Sandwich Ideas

Elegant, Simple, and Delicious

Cucumber sandwiches have been around for over a century, and honestly, they haven’t changed much since their debut. These delicate treats originated in Victorian England, where they were served at afternoon teas and other gatherings. Over time, they’ve become a favorite worldwide, making an appearance at baby showers, bridal showers, Mother’s Day brunches, and any other quaint gatherings that call for light finger foods.

These sandwiches are light, crisp, and refreshingly simple, yet packed with flavor thanks to a creamy, herby spread that brings everything together. They are perfect as an easy snack, or a light lunch. Serve these sandwiches along with one of our easy salads or refreshing drinks

Ingredients to Make the Best Cucumber Sandwiches

The beauty of cucumber sandwiches is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in minutes. Here’s what you need:

  • Cucumbers – About three for this recipe, but you can adjust depending on how many sandwiches you’re making. Slice them thinly for the best texture.
  • Cream Cheese – Softened to room temperature for easy blending and spreading.
  • Mayonnaise – I love using Best Foods, but any brand works.
  • Green Onion – Finely chopped. Fresh chives work great, too!
  • Fresh Dill – Chopped, to taste. You can find fresh dill in the produce section of your grocery store.
  • Bread – I love using buttermilk bread because it’s sturdy yet soft, and tastes delicious. White bread, wheat, or even pumpernickel are great choices.
  • Salt & Pepper – Season to taste.
Ingredients to make cucumber sandwiches including bread, cucumbers, cream cheese, green onion, mayo, and dill.

How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers

  • First, grab your cucumbers. You can peel them if you like, or leave the peels on. I personally like to leave some of the peel for a bit of texture and color.
  • Next, slice the cucumbers super thin. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin if you have one. Thin slices are key here!

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Spread

  • Grab your softened cream cheese and put it in a bowl. Make sure it’s nice and soft, so it’s easy to mix.
  • Add in the mayonnaise, chopped green onion, and fresh dill.
  • Mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy. You can use a spoon or a hand mixer if you want it extra smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

  • Lay out your bread slices. I’m using buttermilk bread, but you can use whatever you like.
  • Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each slice of bread. Make sure it’s thick enough so you can’t see the bread through the spread. This creates a moisture barrier.
  • Now, arrange the cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese spread on half of the slices, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. You can stack them, layer them, or get creative with the arrangement!
  • Top with the remaining slices of bread.
  • If you want to be fancy, you can trim off the crusts with a sharp, serrated knife. I usually skip this step, but it does make them look extra elegant.
  • Cut the sandwiches into triangles, squares, or fingers.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Arrange your cucumber sandwiches on a plate and serve them up!
  • They’re perfect for tea parties, brunches, or just a light snack.
  • You can serve them immediately or cover them and keep them in the fridge for a little while.
Ingredients for cucumber sandwich filling in a small white bowl: cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped dill, and green onions.

Variations for the Best Cream Cheese Spread

I like to use softened cream cheese but butter works great too (and some may argue it is more “traditional”) For added flavor you can try mixing in:

  • Dry Ranch dressing mix
  • Dry Italian dressing mix
  • Fresh, roasted garlic
  • Lemon Juice
  • Black Pepper and Kosher Salt
  • Parsley
  • Lemon Zest
  • Fresh Chives
  • Onion Powder
  • Fresh Herbs

How to Keep Your Cucumber Sandwiches From Getting Soggy

  1. Salt the Cucumbers: Lightly salt your sliced cucumbers and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. Thick Spread: Spread the cream cheese mixture generously (see image below). This creates a barrier against moisture.
Two slices of bread with cream cheese spread for cucumber sandwiches on a cutting board.

Low Carb Cucumber Sandwich or Snack Idea

If you’re skipping bread, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of a cucumber sandwich! Just make cucumber boats:

  1. Cut leftover cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  2. Fill the well with the cream cheese spread.
  3. Sprinkle with bagel seasoning or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
  4. You can serve it as one giant “boat’ or cut into smaller bite-sized pieces.

These make a perfect keto-friendly snack!

Hand holding a cucumber tea sandwich above a tray of sandwiches, showing the layers of bread, cream cheese, and cucumber.

Get The Kids Involved:

My kids LOVE these sandwiches because they can easily help make them! My older kids can cut and slice the cucumbers. The younger kids can peel cucumbers and spread the cream cheese mixture on the bread pieces. So many different kitchen skills can be taught with these simple sandwiches. Also, if you get your kids involved they will be more likely to eat what they are preparing!

How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches

Cucumber sandwich wedges on a white serving platter

Cucumber Sandwich

5 from 7 votes
These cucumber sandwiches are light, fresh, and crisp with a creamy, flavorful spread that ties it all together.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course brunch, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine English
Servings 6 sandwiches

Video

Ingredients

  • 3 cucumbers
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup Best Foods Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons green onion (or chives) finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill (or to taste)
  • 12 slices buttermilk bread
  • salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  • Peel cucumbers (if desired) and slice into thin slices.
    In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped green onion, and fresh dill. Stir until smooth and well combined.
    Cream cheese, mayo, green onion, and dill in a small bowl to make a cream cheese spread
  • Lay out bread slices and spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture on each slice, or to taste.
    Two slices of bread with a cream cheese spread to make cucumber sandwiches
  • Layer cucumber slices on half of the slices and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
    A slice of bread with a cream cheese spread and another slice of bread with sliced cucumbers
  • Place the remaining slices of bread over the top of the cucumber slices. Press the sandwich together gently and use a sharp, serrated knife to cut off the crusts.
    Cut each sandwich diagonally into 4 triangles or 3-4 rectangular "fingers" (whichever you prefer).
    Cucumber sandwiches cut into triangles and stacked on a serving platter
  • Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
    A cucumber tea sandwich wedge being help above a tray of cucumber sandwiches.

Notes

Recipe Tips:

  • There are a couple things you can do to keep your sandwich from getting soggy. First, in a large bowl, lightly toss the sliced cucumbers in a little salt to draw out any excess moisture. Allow to rest for about 5 minutes.
  • Drain off the excess liquid and then use a damp paper towel to pat the cucumbers dry. They will still be crisp, just less watery.
  • Next, spread the cream cheese mixture thick enough so you don’t see the bread through the spread (see image below). This will create a barrier preventing the moisture from the cucumbers from seeping into the bread, making it soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 3gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 243mgPotassium: 265mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 648IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 1mg

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Questions about Cucumber Sandwiches

What cucumbers are best?

English cucumbers are my favorite because they have thin skins and fewer seeds, but any slicing cucumber works well.

What is the difference between tea sandwiches and finger sandwiches?

They are the same thing. Some may argue that “tea” sandwiches are cut into triangles or squares and “finger” sandwiches are cut into long, rectangular “fingers”. How they are cut actually doesn’t matter, no matter what you call them. “Finger” has less to do with the shape and more to do with the fact that they are eaten with your fingers.

Can cucumber sandwiches be made ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare them up to a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and follow my tips to prevent sogginess.

READ NEXT: Brunch Buffet Ideas

More Cucumber Recipes

More Easy Sandwich Ideas

Make a variety of tea sandwiches to go with these cucumber sandwiches at your next tea party or brunch. We grew up eating these ribbon finger sandwiches (image below) made with deviled ham and cheese spread. They are delicious and so pretty for tea parties!

Plates of ribbon sandwiches with deviled ham and cheese, served with tea and grapes

You can also make little egg salad sandwiches with this recipe, just cut them into bite-sized finger sandwiches or squares for easy serving. Try this method using our easy chicken salad sandwich recipe as well! 

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and their three daughters. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and has a passion for travel and adventure. Whether kayaking, hiking, or scuba diving, she loves exploring the world—and bringing her family along for the ride.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This sandwich is so popular here in the UK but honestly, I never tried. Now I definitely will. You convinced me. It sounds super delicious.

  2. 5 stars
    These sandwiches will be so perfect for a baby shower! I have a few this summer so I’m going to save this recipe!